Report: South Carolina picks up a Christmas Day commitment

Will Muschamp received a Christmas gift that’s sure to beat any tie or tube socks the new Gamecocks coach might have gotten on Friday.

Keir Thomas, a 3-star defensive end from Miami Central High School (Fla.), has committed to the South Carolina, according to Ryan Bartow of The Big Spur, giving the program its 17th verbal commitment for the Class of 2016 (including three early signees).

The decision only continues what has been a recent run of holiday recruiting success for the Gamecocks, who also added pledges from 4-star offensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and in-state receiver Diondre Champaigne earlier this week.

Thomas de-committed from Florida State in November and had taken official trips to Auburn when Muschamp was defensive coordinator, Tennessee and Arkansas before receiving an in-home visit from Muschamp on Dec. 9. The 6-foot-2, 249-pound defender recorded 83 tackles, 20 sacks and two forced fumbles as a senior, according to 247sports, and could prove to be an underrated addition to an improving class.